Calling internationally can seem daunting, especially with varying time zones, country codes, and calling options. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process of calling Greece from anywhere in the world, ensuring you can connect with friends, family, or business contacts with ease. We’ll cover everything from dialing codes to cost-effective calling methods, making your international calls hassle-free.
Understanding the Basics of International Calling
Before diving into the specifics of calling Greece, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental components of an international phone number and the dialing sequence:
- Exit Code (International Access Code): This code is used to dial out of your country. It signals to your phone carrier that you’re making an international call. The exit code varies depending on the country you’re calling from.
- Country Code: Each country has a unique country code. For Greece, the country code is +30.
- Area Code: Within Greece, different regions have specific area codes. These are typically two or three digits long.
- Local Number: This is the individual phone number of the person or business you’re trying to reach.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling Greece
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making a successful call to Greece:
- Determine Your Exit Code: Find the exit code for the country you’re calling from. Here are some common exit codes:
- United States & Canada: 011
- United Kingdom: 00
- Australia: 0011
- European Countries: 00 (most)
- Japan: 010
If your country isn’t listed, you can easily find the exit code by searching online for “exit code for [your country]”.
- Dial the Exit Code: Enter the exit code on your phone’s keypad. For example, if you’re calling from the United States, you would dial 011.
- Dial the Greece Country Code: Next, dial the country code for Greece, which is 30.
- Dial the Area Code: Find the correct area code for the region in Greece you’re calling. Here are some common area codes in Greece:
- Athens: 210
- Thessaloniki: 2310
- Patras: 2610
- Heraklion (Crete): 2810
- Rhodes: 22410
If you don’t know the area code, you can search online using the city or region name. For example, search for “area code for [city name], Greece”.
- Dial the Local Number: Finally, dial the local phone number of the person or business you’re trying to reach. This is typically a seven or eight-digit number.
- Put it All Together: The complete dialing sequence will look like this:
[Exit Code] + 30 + [Area Code] + [Local Number]For example, if you’re calling Athens from the United States and the local number is 1234567, you would dial: 011 + 30 + 210 + 1234567
Example Calls
Let’s illustrate with a few examples:
- Calling Athens, Greece from the United States:
- Exit Code (US): 011
- Country Code (Greece): 30
- Area Code (Athens): 210
- Local Number: 1234567
- Dial: 011 30 210 1234567
- Calling Thessaloniki, Greece from the United Kingdom:
- Exit Code (UK): 00
- Country Code (Greece): 30
- Area Code (Thessaloniki): 2310
- Local Number: 8901234
- Dial: 00 30 2310 8901234
- Calling Heraklion (Crete), Greece from Australia:
- Exit Code (Australia): 0011
- Country Code (Greece): 30
- Area Code (Heraklion): 2810
- Local Number: 5678901
- Dial: 0011 30 2810 5678901
Finding Greek Area Codes
Determining the correct area code is essential for successfully calling Greece. If you don’t know the area code, here are some ways to find it:
- Online Search: The easiest way is to search online. Use search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo and type in “area code for [city name], Greece”. For example, “area code for Volos, Greece”.
- Online Directories: Several websites specialize in providing international dialing codes and area codes. Examples include Countrycode.org and Timeanddate.com.
- Ask the Person You’re Calling: If you have a prior way to contact the person (e.g., email or social media), you can simply ask them for their area code.
Cost-Effective Ways to Call Greece
International calls can be expensive, especially when made directly through your mobile or landline provider. Here are some cost-effective alternatives:
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Services:
- Skype: Skype is a popular VoIP service that allows you to make calls to landlines and mobile phones internationally at relatively low rates. You can purchase Skype Credit or subscribe to a calling plan.
- Google Voice: Google Voice offers affordable international calling rates. You can make calls from your computer or mobile device using the Google Voice app.
- WhatsApp: WhatsApp allows free voice and video calls to other WhatsApp users. If the person you’re calling has WhatsApp, this is a completely free option, requiring only an internet connection.
- Viber: Similar to WhatsApp, Viber offers free calls and messaging to other Viber users. It also has Viber Out, which allows you to call landlines and mobile phones at competitive rates.
- Mobile Apps with International Calling:
- Rebtel: Rebtel offers local phone lines for international calls, often providing significant savings compared to traditional international calling rates.
- Talkatone: Talkatone allows you to make free calls to US and Canadian numbers, and it also offers affordable international calling options.
- International Calling Cards:
- Prepaid international calling cards can be a cost-effective option, especially for infrequent callers. You purchase a card with a certain amount of calling credit and use the provided access number and PIN to make your calls. Be sure to compare rates and fees before purchasing a card.
- Mobile Carrier International Plans:
- Many mobile carriers offer international calling plans or add-ons that provide discounted rates for calling specific countries. Check with your carrier to see what options are available. Sometimes these plans include free or reduced-rate calls to certain countries.
- Wi-Fi Calling:
- Most modern smartphones support Wi-Fi calling, which allows you to make calls over a Wi-Fi network instead of using your cellular network. If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, this can be a free way to call internationally, as long as your carrier doesn’t charge extra for Wi-Fi calling to international numbers (most don’t for standard calls, but check to be sure). Check your phone’s settings to enable Wi-Fi calling.
Consider Time Zone Differences
Greece operates on Eastern European Time (EET), which is UTC+2 during standard time and UTC+3 during daylight saving time (Eastern European Summer Time – EEST). Before calling, it’s important to consider the time difference between your location and Greece to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
Here are some examples of the time difference between Greece and other major cities:
- New York (USA): Greece is 7 hours ahead of New York during standard time (EET) and 7 hours ahead during daylight saving time (EEST).
- London (UK): Greece is 2 hours ahead of London during standard time (EET) and 2 hours ahead during daylight saving time (EEST).
- Sydney (Australia): Greece is 7-9 hours behind Sydney, depending on the time of year and daylight saving time in both locations.
- Los Angeles (USA): Greece is 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles during standard time (EET) and 10 hours ahead during daylight saving time (EEST).
Use an online time zone converter to accurately determine the current time in Greece before making your call. Simply search for “time zone converter” and enter your location and Athens, Greece, to see the current time difference.
Troubleshooting Common Calling Issues
Even with careful planning, you might encounter issues when calling Greece. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
- Call Not Going Through:
- Incorrect Dialing: Double-check that you’ve entered the exit code, country code, area code, and local number correctly. Even a single incorrect digit can prevent the call from connecting.
- Network Issues: There might be temporary issues with your phone carrier or the Greek phone network. Try calling again later.
- International Calling Blocked: Your mobile carrier might have international calling blocked by default. Contact your carrier to enable international calling.
- Insufficient Funds: If you’re using a prepaid calling card or VoIP service, ensure you have sufficient credit to make the call.
- Poor Call Quality:
- Internet Connection: If you’re using a VoIP service, poor call quality is often due to a weak or unstable internet connection. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or using a wired internet connection.
- Network Congestion: During peak hours, network congestion can affect call quality. Try calling at a different time of day.
- Hardware Issues: Ensure your microphone and speakers are functioning correctly.
- Unexpected Charges:
- Roaming Charges: If you’re calling from abroad, be aware of potential roaming charges. Check with your mobile carrier to understand their international roaming rates.
- Hidden Fees: Some calling cards and VoIP services have hidden fees. Read the terms and conditions carefully before using a service.
Tips for a Smooth International Call
Follow these tips to ensure a smooth and successful international call to Greece:
- Plan Ahead: Determine the correct dialing code, area code, and local number before you dial.
- Check the Time: Use a time zone converter to avoid calling at inconvenient hours.
- Choose the Right Calling Method: Consider the cost and convenience of different calling options, such as VoIP services, calling cards, or mobile carrier plans.
- Test Your Connection: If using a VoIP service, test your internet connection before making the call.
- Speak Clearly: Speak slowly and clearly to ensure the person on the other end can understand you.
- Be Patient: International calls can sometimes experience delays or connection issues. Be patient and try again if necessary.
- Have a Backup Plan: If your primary calling method fails, have a backup plan in place, such as using a different VoIP service or calling card.
Useful Resources for International Calling
Here are some useful resources for finding international dialing codes, area codes, and time zone information:
- Countrycode.org: Provides a comprehensive database of country codes and dialing codes.
- Timeanddate.com: Offers a time zone converter and information about current time in different locations.
- Wikipedia: Search for “Telephone numbers in Greece” for detailed information about Greek area codes and numbering plans.
- Your Mobile Carrier’s Website: Check your mobile carrier’s website for information about international calling plans and rates.
Conclusion
Calling Greece doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the basics of international dialing, finding the correct codes, considering time zone differences, and choosing a cost-effective calling method, you can easily connect with friends, family, or business contacts in Greece. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and plan ahead to ensure a smooth and successful international call. With the right preparation, you can stay connected with loved ones and conduct business effectively, no matter where you are in the world.